Course Description

The latest U.S. Census data showed that the share of the U.S. population that is 65 years old or over has increased by more than 33% in just 10 years. The aging of the U.S. population shows no signs of slowing in the years ahead, due primarily to the lower birth rates seen in recent decades. The rapid aging of the U.S. population, which is set to accelerate in the coming years, will have profound impacts on our society across a multitude of different areas. Law enforcement is likely no exception.

Law enforcement leaders are very likely to grapple with recruiting challenges based on these demographic shifts, compounded by the speed with which eligible officers are likely to retire in the coming years. At the same time, however, statistics indicate that a jurisdiction experiencing a drop in proportion of the population which is made up of young people may also expect to see a drop in violent crime—as older citizens are highly unlikely to engage in violent crime.

In this two-hour webinar, Attorney Matt Dolan will discuss what these age demographic trends are likely to mean for law enforcement leaders in the areas of:

  • Recruiting from a smaller pool of young adults entering the workforce now and for years to come
  • Retention challenges associated with a “retirement cliff” approaching for officers hired 20 to 30 years ago
  • Analyzing staffing needs in light of aging populations, which are statistically less likely to engage in violent crime

Instructor

Director, Dolan Consulting Group

| Attorney Matt Dolan

Matt Dolan is a licensed attorney in the State of Illinois, who specializes in training and advising public safety agencies in matters of labor and employment law. His practice experience focuses on employment discrimination claims brought under federal law, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ("Title VII"), the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA"), and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act ("ADEA"). He received his Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from DePaul University and his J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.

Matt serves as a public safety instructor with Dolan Consulting Group. He has trained and advised thousands of public safety professionals throughout the United States in matters of legal liability related to personnel management.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Before You Start

    • Consent Questions

    • Download Course Materials

  • 2

    Webinar

    • What Does an Aging Population Mean for Law Enforcement? | Hour 1

    • What Does an Aging Population Mean for Law Enforcement? | Hour 2